- Record rainfall in January caused major landslips blocking Mackay-Eungella Road
Debris and damage now cleared
Full access has been restored to Eungella Range on Mackay–Eungella Road after extensive work to clear landslip debris and damage caused by heavy rainfall and flooding in January.
The road repairs and emergency works are jointly funded by the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Mackay–Eungella Road was temporarily closed to all vehicles at Eungella Range on 16 January.
More than 600mm of rainfall was recorded within a single, 48-hour period at Mount Charlton, and more than 1000mm within seven days at Finch Hatton.
Emergency works to remove large rocks and debris allowed the road to be safely reopened under restricted access within just eight days.
Landscaping and geotechnical investigations will continue once the road is fully reopened to identify sections requiring further restoration. These works will be carried out over the next 12 months and will require traffic management at times.
For up-to-date traffic and road condition information, call 13 19 40, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or download the QldTraffic app.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:
"Significant emergency works needed to be undertaken to enable the road to be reopened to traffic, and crews have been hard at work stabilising embankments above the roadway by securing and removing loose boulders, vegetation and other material to reduce the risk of further slips.
"Crews also repaired damaged bitumen, drainage, scours, headwalls and kerbs.
"The Albanese Government is very pleased to assist the Palaszczuk Government with these roadworks and repairs to further the recovery of communities in Mackay and Eungella Range to help cut down travel times for road users safely."
Quotes attributable to the State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert:
"Due to the extent of damage sustained to Eungella Range because of the extreme weather event, the road was temporarily closed to ensure the safety of road users and roadworkers while clearing and emergency repairs were undertaken.
"Within just over a week we were able to reopen it at Eungella Range to restricted access, allowing travel at scheduled times throughout the day.
"As works progressed, these travel times were extended to provide the community with as much access as safely possible.
"Clean-up crews removed almost 7500 cubic metres of debris, rock and loose material, with about 220 cubic metres of sprayed concrete used to stabilise key areas.
"Reconnecting communities as quickly and safely as possible was our driving focus when delivering these repairs and I thank everyone for their patience."
